New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Fish and Wildlife
Bear Facts for Homeowners
Garbage Management
Human garbage is attractive to black bears. When bears get into people’s garbage,
they may be encouraged to return to the location because of the food reward.
Bears that associate people with food may have to be trapped or destroyed.
Be a good neighbor by following these tips.
•
Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers and keep the
container outdoors if you live in an area frequented by black
bears. Certified bear-resistant trash containers have passed a
formal testing procedure and are proven to keep bears out.
Certified containers offer the best protection.
•
If not using certified containers, store all garbage in containers
with tight-fitting lids and place them within a secure location
where bears are unlikely to see or smell them. For example, leave
garbage containers in your basement until morning of garbage
collection. Note: Occasionally, bears have tried to enter buildings in
search of food, so use caution.
Use Certified Bear-Resistant
Trash Containers
Bear-Resistant Trash Containers
and Enclosures
•
Wash trash containers with a disinfectant solution at least once a
week to eliminate odors. Examples of disinfectant solution include
hot water and chlorine bleach or ammonia.
•
Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
•
Use certified bear-resistant community dumpsters in housing
developments and gated communities.
•
Store recycling containers in a secure building and only put them
outdoors on the day of pick up. Empty recyclables, like beverage
cans, bottles and food containers can attract bears.
•
Garbage containers or dumpsters may be stored within BearResistant Dumpster Enclosures (BRDEs). These are fully
enclosed structure consisting of four sides (i.e. solid panels or
cyclone fencing,) eight feet high, and with a top of sufficient
design (i.e. barbed wire or roof) constructed to prevent access
by black bears.
BRDEs should meet the standards specified by the Living with
Wildlife Foundation. Various BRDE Designs can be found at the
following link:
www.lwwf.org/Living%20with%20Predators_resource_guides.htm
•
Visit the following link to find contact information for
companies that make bear-resistant trash containers.
www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearcont.htm
Bear-Resistant Dumpster